A GROUP of traders want people to forget about the boom and bust economy — by launching a ‘boom and busk’ initiative aimed at spreading festive cheer.

Blackburn Chamber of Trade believes that buskers and other musical acts would help boost the atmosphere in the town’s shopping centre in the run up to Christmas.

And it is even offering traders free Christmas trees to put up outside their shops if they have an existing metal fitting to hold them.

The ideas were discussed at a meeting held at The Fernhurst pub, Bolton Road, Blackburn, last week.

David Cottam, president of the chamber, said a positive outlook was vital for traders and shoppers.

He said: “We want to bring a bit of Christmas cheer because everything in the media is about doom and gloom and job losses at the moment.

“We are all frightened for our own jobs but we need these initiatives to stop all the downward talk and bring some positivity.

“Buskers or even the Salvation Army Band would help brighten things up in Blackburn.”

Mr Cottam, who owns Counsell and Woan Ltd, a carpet shop in Whalley New Road, Blackburn, said that several years ago the chamber gave away free metal Christmas tree holders, many of which were still in place.

He said any off these shops could have a free tree if they agreed to put up lights.

Blackburn businesswoman Margo Grimshaw, who was also at the meeting, believes buskers would help generate a lively atmosphere in the town centre.

She said: “Obviously, we don’t want people begging but proper singers would make it feel a lot more festive.

“We might even pay for band to come down, that’s how serious we are about this. It would make a big difference if there was music in the town for shoppers to enjoy.”

If any aspiring musicians want to get involved with the Chamber of Trade’s scheme they are being encouraged to get in touch with the organisation.